From the Kris Kringle carousel to the Reindeer Expresstrain ride through Santa's Workshop to the indoor Ferris Wheel,this magical indoor festival should be a yearly must-do for everyChicagoan. Plan your visit around the crowds.

During select weekends in December, this gem of a resort lessthan three hours from Chicago hosts an authentic Old World GermanChristmas market along with a host of holiday activities likemaking ornaments with Mrs. Claus, breakfast with Santa, a brunchfeaturing St. Nicholas and real reindeer, and a carolinghayride.

This hotel, about five hours from Chicago, becomes North Pole'ssouthern satellite office during the holidays with a PeppermintExpress kiddie train ride, a Snow Fairy Princess Tea, the MistletoeMarketplace and the Colors of the Season Holiday Dinner Show. Ofcourse, Santa is on hand to take requests from kids on the nicelist.